Water purification system

ABSTRACT

An improved portable water purification system with reduced leaks and the capability of automatic draining of its boiling tank. The system includes a manifold that is used to control the inlet of water to the system, as well as to control draining of the boiling tank. The manifold is designed to create a suction in the drain line to enhance draining of the boiling tank.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.09/670,758, filed on Sep. 27, 2000, which is currently pending.

FIELD

[0002] The invention disclosed herein relates to portable waterpurification systems. More particularly, the invention disclosed hereinrelates to an improved portable water purification system with improvedleak detection and improved auto draining mechanisms.

BACKGROUND

[0003] One known water treatment method to improve the purity and tasteof drinking water is distillation. Distillation involves boiling waterto generate steam, and then condensing the steam to form water with areduced amount of contaminants. The contaminants, which have avaporization temperature higher than that of water, remain in theboiler, while solvents having a boiling point lower than water may beseparated from the steam by venting prior to condensation.

[0004] Previous attempts at forming portable distillation systems foruse in purifying drinking water are known from U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,309and 5,464,531. The devices in these patents are adapted to be directlymounted onto a water cooler dispensing unit as a replacement for theconventional water bottle. These devices utilize a control mechanismdisposed between the feed tank and the boiler to prevent backflow fromthe boiler to the feed tank and to control the water level within theboiler. In addition, these devices utilize a filter between thecondenser coil and the distilled water tank to filter the water beforethe water enters the distilled water tank. A float switch disposed inthe distilled water tank prevents overfilling of the tank. However, inthe event of failure of the float switch, the distilled water tank canoverflow and lead to water spillage. Further, the location of the filteris less than optimal, since the parts of the system must be designed toallow the filter to be accessible from outside the housing of thedistilling unit.

[0005] There is, however, a continuing need for improved portabledistillation systems that are simpler in design and which prevent waterspillage and leaks.

SUMMARY

[0006] The invention provides an improved portable water purificationsystem with reduced leaks and the capability of automatic draining of aboiling tank, as well as a method of preventing water spillage from aportable water purification system and a method of draining a boilingtank of a portable water purification system.

[0007] In one aspect of the invention, a manifold for a waterpurification system having a boiling tank is provided. The manifoldincludes a body having a water inlet port for connection to a watersupply, a water exit port, a first fluid passage connecting the waterinlet port to the water exit port, a drain inlet port for connection tothe boiling tank, a drain outlet port, a second flow passage connectingthe drain inlet port to the drain outlet port, and means for creating aventuri effect in the second flow passage to produce a suction in thesecond flow passage and on the drain inlet port

[0008] In the preferred embodiment, the means for creating a venturieffect comprises a third flow passage connecting the first flow passagewith the second flow passage.

[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, a water purificationsystem for purifying water from a water supply is provided. The systemcomprises a boiling tank for boiling water from the water supply, acondenser connected to the boiling tank for receiving steam from theboiling tank and for condensing the steam to form distilled water, and adistilled water tank connected to the condenser for collecting distilledwater from the condenser. A manifold is disposed between the watersupply and the boiling tank. The manifold includes a body having a waterinlet port configured for connection to the water supply, a water exitport connected to the boiling tank, a first fluid passage connecting thewater inlet port to the water exit port, a drain inlet port connected tothe boiling tank, a drain outlet port, a second flow passage connectingthe drain inlet port to the drain outlet port, and a third flow passageconnecting the first flow passage with the second flow passage.

[0010] These and various other advantages and features of novelty whichcharacterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in theclaims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a betterunderstanding of the invention, its advantages and objects obtained byits use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a furtherpart hereof, and to the accompanying description, in which there isdescribed a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable water purificationsystem according to the invention.

[0012] FIGS. 2 is an exploded view of the components forming theportable water purification system.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the water purification system.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of another version of the waterpurification system equipped for automatic draining of the boiling tank.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of yet another embodiment of awater purification system according to the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a top view of the manifold used in the waterpurification system of FIG. 5.

[0017]FIG. 7 illustrates the ports and flow passages within themanifold.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a portable water purification system 10according to the invention. The system 10 is designed to be portable toenable the system to be transported from one location to anotherlocation where water purification is desired. The system 10 ispreferably designed to rest upon a generally flat surface, such as acountertop, adjacent a source of water which is to be purified. Thesystem 10 can also rest upon a water cooler dispensing unit as areplacement for the conventional water bottle.

[0019] The system 10 includes a housing 12 with a distilled water tank14 mounted on the housing 12 and disposed at the front thereof. Adisplay panel 16 and a plurality of input buttons 18 are provided on thefront of the housing 12 adjacent the top thereof. The input buttons 18permit control inputs controlling operation of the system 10, with thedisplay panel 16 displaying a variety of system information, such as anoperating state of the system 10.

[0020] With reference now to FIG. 2, the details of the system 10 willbe discussed. The housing 12 is formed from three housing portions 20 a,20 b, 20 c. The housing portion 20a forms a base upon which theremainder of the system 10 rests, with the housing portion 20 a designedto rest upon a suitable support surface, such as a countertop. Thehousing portion 20 b connects to the housing portion 20 a and definesthe central portion of the housing, and forms an enclosure for a numberof the components of the system 10, including a control tank 22, aboiling tank 24, and various pipes, fittings and control circuitry ofthe system 10. The housing portion 20 c connects to the top of thehousing portion 20 b and defines a separate enclosure for a condenser 26and cooling fan 28.

[0021] As is evident from FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing portion 20 b isrecessed relative to the housing portions 20 a, 20 c thereby defining anarea in which the water tank 14 fits between the housing portions 20 a,20 c. FIG. 2 illustrates a plate 30 that separates the enclosure definedby the housing portion 20 b from the enclosure defined by the housingportion 20 c. A plate 32 extends upwardly from the plate 30 to dividethe enclosure of the housing portion 20 c into a rear enclosurecontaining the condenser 26 and cooling fan 28, and a front enclosurecontaining a removable lid 34 on the tank 14 that permits access to theinterior of the water tank 14 as well containing a circuit boardassociated with the display panel 16 and input buttons 18.

[0022] The condenser 26 itself is held between two insulating pieces 36,38, and the cooling fan 28 fits within a hole 40 defined in theinsulating piece 38 so that the fan 28 is disposed within thecircumference of the condenser 26 to provide effective heat dissipationfrom the condenser 26. A cover 42 connects to the housing portion 20 cand closes off the housing 12 and defines the top thereof. The cover 42includes a grill 44 located above the fan 28 to permit air flow out ofthe housing portion 20 c. In addition, the housing portion 20 c isprovided with vents 46 to permit air to enter the enclosure defined bythe housing portion 20 c.

[0023] Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, along with FIG. 2, whichillustrates in schematic fashion the connection between the elementswithin the system 10. An inlet water supply line 50 enters the housing12, preferably through the rear thereof, and connects to an inlet watercontrol valve 52, preferably a solenoid valve. A flow line 54 leads fromthe control valve 52 to the control tank 22. Likewise, a flow line 56connects the control tank 22 to the boiling tank 24. A flow line 58connects the boiling tank 24 to the condenser 26, and a flow line 60connects the condenser 26 to the water tank 14. A drain valve 62, suchas a manually operated spigot valve, connects to the flow line 56 topermit draining of the boiling tank 24. As is further evident from FIG.3, an overflow line 68 connects to the top of the water tank 14 anddischarges into the control tank 22. The flow into the system can becontrolled by a mechanical float valve assembly 70, 72, 74 to be laterdescribed, or by the valve 52.

[0024] In addition, a distilled water outlet line 64 extends from thewater tank 14, with flow through the line 64 monitored by a totaldissolved solids (TDS) probe 66 connected to the valve 52 to controloperation of the valve 52. The TDS probe 66 monitors the purity of thewater by measuring the conductivity thereof which provides an indicationof the amount of total dissolved solids in the water. In oneimplementation, the TDS probe 66 and its related software sample thewater quality every 1 second. However, other sampling intervals, eitherlonger or shorter than 1 second, could be used. If the purity of thewater, as measured by the TDS probe 66 is not sufficient, the valve 52is closed. On the other hand, if the purity of the water measured by theTDS probe 66 is acceptable, the valve 52 is open. The TDS probe 66 andthe valve 52 are preferably connected to a controller 78 which controlsoperation thereof. The TDS probe 66 preferably measures the water purityon a predetermined periodic basis, controlled by the controller 78.Other means for measuring water purity, such as a pH sensor, could beused in place of or in addition to, the TDS probe 66.

[0025] In addition, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the system 10utilizes a filter 84, such as a carbon filter, that is placed in theoutlet line 64, downstream from the TDS probe 66, and which is locatedoutside of the housing 12. By placing the filter 84 on the outlet line64, the need to run additional lines from the condenser to the filterand from the filter back to the distilled water tank, as is required inthe systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,309 and 5,464,531, iseliminated.

[0026] The system 10 can also optionally include a delivery pump 86 anda ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizer 88 in the outlet line 64, asillustrated in FIG. 3. The pump 86 is preferably mounted inside thehousing 12, while the UV light sanitizer 88 is preferably mounted on arear panel of the housing 12 on the exterior of the housing. However,the UV light sanitizer could be disposed in the interior of the housing12 as well.

[0027] The pump 86, which is preferably controlled by the controller 78,facilitates delivery of water from the system 10, particularly in thoseinstances when the location of the system 10 during use preventsadequate gravity feed of the water. However, the system 10 can also beutilized without the pump 86, instead relying on gravity to deliverwater. The pump 86 is preferably a demand pump that turns on andoperates to keep the outline line 64 pressurized when a dispensing valve(not illustrated) located at the end of the outlet line 64 is opened bya user to dispense water. In addition, the pump operation is preferablycontrolled by a float (not illustrated) in the water tank 14 thatindicates water availability in the water tank 14. The float preventsoperation of the pump 86 if insufficient water is present in the watertank 14.

[0028] The UV light sanitizer exposes the water prior to delivery to UVlight for sanitizing the stored water in the tank 14 from microbecontaminants. Like the pump 86, the UV light sanitizer 88 is optional.In the preferred embodiment, the UV light stays on continuously toprevent bulb and starter wear and tear. However, it is contemplated thatthe UV light could be operated on a demand basis, rather thancontinuously. Moreover, other mechanisms capable of sanitizing watercould be used in place of or in addition to the UV light sanitizer,including, but not limited to, ozonation, ultra-filtration, and chemicalsanitizers.

[0029] The control tank 22 is designed to regulate the inflow of waterto the boiling tank 24 and control the water level within the boilingtank. Included within the control tank 22 is a float 70 connected to anend of an arm 72, with the opposite end of the arm 72 connected to avalve member 74. When the level of water in the control tank 22 reachesa predetermined level, the valve member 74 is actuated to shut the flowof water from the flow line 54 into the control tank 22. In addition,the control tank 22 includes a float switch 76 therein that iselectrically connected, via the controller 78, to the control valve 52.The float switch 76 acts as a safety feature to prevent overfilling ofthe control tank 22 and the boiling tank 24 and water tank 14 downstreamfrom the control tank 22, in the event of a failure in one of the float70, arm 72 and valve member 74. If the valve member 74 fails to shut theflow of water, the water level in the control tank 22 will increase,eventually actuating the float switch 76. The float switch 76, whenactuated, sends a signal through the controller 78 to the control valve52 to close the control valve 52 and thereby prevent further inflow ofwater to the control tank 22.

[0030] The boiling tank 24 receives water from the control tank 22 andboils the water to remove contaminants therefrom as is well-known in theart. The boiling tank 24, as illustrated in FIG. 2, includes a heatingelement 80 therein for accomplishing the boiling of the water. As isunderstood in the art, steam that is generated by the boiling of waterexits the top of the boiling tank 24 and enters the condenser 26, wherethe steam is condensed back into water, with the water flowing throughthe flow line 60 into the tank 14. Boiling of the water separatescontaminants from the water, with steam having contaminants removedtherefrom exiting the boiler to the condenser and the contaminantsremaining behind in the boiling tank 24. Since contaminants remain inthe boiling tank 24, it is necessary to periodically drain the boilingtank 24 thereby removing the contaminants and preventing build-upthereof. As shown in FIG. 3, draining of the boiling tank 24 isaccomplished manually by opening the drain valve 62.

[0031] The water tank 14 is also provided with measures to preventoverfilling of the tank 14, thereby preventing water spillage from thesystem 10. As mentioned previously, the overflow line 68 leads from thetop of the tank 14 back to the control tank 22. In the event that thewater level in the tank 14 gets to high, excess water will flow from thetank 14 through the overflow line 68 back to the control tank 22. Thisexcess water will contribute to filling of the control tank 22 andactuation of the float switch 76 to close the inlet valve 52. Inaddition, the tank 14 includes a float switch 82 associated with the lid34 of the tank 14 that actuates when the water level in the tank 14becomes too high. When the float switch 82 is actuated, a signal issent, via the controller 78, to the inlet valve 52 to close the valveand prevent further water inflow into the system 10.

[0032] It is to be realized that the inlet valve 52, the float switches76, 82 and the overflow line 68 each act to prevent water spillage fromthe system 10, by preventing overfilling of the control tank 22, theboiling tank 24 and the water tank 14. In addition, the construction ofthe system 10 is simplified compared with conventional systems, such asthose found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,281,309 and 5,464,531 which utilize botha feedwater tank and a water level control tank/housing upstream of theboiler. The use of a feedwater tank takes up space, and providesadditional apparatus that can fail and needs to be cleaned. In addition,a feedwater tank permits buildup of bacteria and/or algae and likecontamination, particularly when water has been stagnant in thefeedwater tank for a period of time.

[0033] The system 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3 eliminates the use of afeedwater tank and the detriments thereof. The inlet water supply line50, which is preferably connected to a continuous water supply sourcesuch as a household or building water supply line, connects directly tothe control tank 22 via the inlet valve 52. Thus, presuming that thewater in the water supply line is fresh, the water entering the controltank 22 is fresh as well.

[0034] With reference now to FIG. 4, an alternative portable waterpurification system 100 is illustrated. Elements within the system 100that correspond to elements within the system 10 are referenced by thesame reference numerals. The system 100 is provided with the capabilityfor automatic draining of the boiling tank 24 as well as cooling of thewater that is to be drained. As shown in FIG. 4, a line 102 extends fromthe flow line 56. A drain valve 104, such as a solenoid valve, isdisposed within the line 102 for controlling flow therethrough. Inaddition, a cooling water line 106 extends from the line 54 to the line102, with flow through the line 106 controlled by a valve 108, such as asolenoid valve. It is to be noted that the drain spigot 62 is stillpresent in this embodiment, in order to permit manual draining of theboiling tank 24.

[0035] Operation of the valves 104, 108, as well as the valve 52 and theTDS probe 66, and other electronic components, are controlled by thecontroller 78, with the float switches 76, 82 providing inputs to thecontroller 78. The controller 78 preferably includes a timer mechanismthat can be set by a user, using the input buttons 18 to select thedesired time interval(s) between draining operations, so that the valve104 opens at periodic intervals in order to drain the boiling tank 24.Alternatively, as indicated above, the drain valve 62 can be openedmanually when it is desired to drain the boiling tank 24.

[0036] Often times the water being drained from the boiling tank isextremely hot and needs to be cooled before the water can be dischargedthrough line 102 to a drain. In order to accomplish cooling of the drainwater, the valve 108 is opened by the controller 78, thereby allowingcool water from the inlet supply line 50 to mix with the hot water fromthe boiling tank 24 in the line 102 before the water exits the line 102to the drain. Connecting the line 50 to the line 102 eliminates the needto add cooling water directly into the boiling tank 24. This isespecially important when the boiling tank is at its maximum capacity ofwater, as dictated by the control tank which prevents furtherintroduction of water when the boiling tank is full. If the boiling tankis full, no cooling water can be introduced because the control tankprevents further flow of water to the boiling tank. The embodimentdescribed in FIG. 4 permits cooling of the water in a full boiling tank,since the cooling water is introduced in the line 102. The water in theboiling tank, which is typically at a high temperature, is cooled by thewater from the inlet water supply which is typically at a lowertemperature, to produce drain water at a temperature generally betweenthe boiling tank water temperature and the inlet supply watertemperature.

[0037] The cooling water line 106 is preferably connected to the line102 by a two-way flow divider 110. The flow divider 110 is preferably aY-shaped flow divider, although a three-way (or more) flow divider, withextra flow paths closed off to leave two flow-paths, could be used aswell. As a result of this connection, the drain line 102 pulls a slightvacuum during draining due to the venturi effect. The slight vacuumpulls water from the boiling tank 24 and the control tank 22, andfacilitates complete removal of contaminants from the boiling tank 24,as well as from the control tank 22.

[0038] The system 100 in FIG. 4 is shown without the overflow line 68between the tank 14 and the control tank 22. However, it is to berealized that the system 100 could be utilized with the overflow line 68shown in FIG. 3 if desired.

[0039] As an added safety feature, the system 10 can be provided with amoisture sensor 114 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The moisture sensor 114 ismounted on or within the housing portion 20 a for detecting waterspillage or leaks from the system 10. The sensor 114 is preferablyconnected to the valve 52, via the controller 78, for closing the valve52 when water spillage is detected.

[0040] Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, an alternative embodiment of a waterpurification system 150 is illustrated. Elements within the system 150that correspond to elements within the system 10, 100 are referenced bythe same reference numerals. .

[0041] The system 150 includes a manifold 152 that combines thefunctions of, and replaces, the inlet valve 52, the valves 104, 108, andthe flow divider 110 discussed above in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4,all in a single assembly. The system 150 is therefore simpler inconstruction than the system 100.

[0042] The manifold 152 comprises a rectangular shaped body that is madefrom a suitable material, preferably plastic. As shown in FIG. 7, thebody includes first and second end surfaces 154, 156, first and secondside surfaces 158, 160, a top surface 162, and a bottom surface (notshown). Manifold shapes other than rectangular could be used, as long asthe internal flow features discussed below are achieved.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, water from the water supply line50 enters the manifold 152 via a water inlet port 164 in one of the endsurfaces, preferably the end surface 154. A water exit port 166 formedin one of the side surfaces, preferably the side surface 160, is in flowcommunication with the control tank 22 via the line 54. A valve 168,such as a solenoid valve, controls flow between the inlet port 164 andthe exit port 166. In addition, a drain inlet port 170 formed in one ofthe top and bottom surfaces, preferably the top surface 162, is in flowcommunication with the boiling tank 24 and the control tank 22 via theflow lines 172 a, 172 b, 172 c. Drain material that enters the draininlet port 170 exits the manifold 152 through a drain exit port 174formed in one of the end surfaces, preferably the end surface 154, withflow being controlled by a valve 176, such as a solenoid valve. Afurther valve 178, preferably a solenoid valve, is used to cool thetemperature of the drain material that exits the drain exit port 174 ina manner described below.

[0044]FIG. 7 illustrates internal flow passages that are formed withinthe manifold 152. As shown, a first flow passage 180 connects the inletport 164 with the exit port 166. The first passage 180 includes aprimary portion 180 a that extends from the inlet port 164 over themajority of the length of the manifold body, and a branch portion 180 bthat extends from the primary portion 180 a to the exit port 166. Thebranch portion 180 b is disposed substantially at a right angle to theprimary portion 180 a.

[0045] The valve 168 cooperates with a valve port 182 formed in themanifold body for controlling flow between the inlet 164 and the exit166. When the valve 168 is open, water from the supply line 50 flowsfrom the inlet 164 to the exit 166 and on to the control tank 22. Wateris also able to flow past the valve 168 along the primary portion 180 ato the valve 178. When the valve 168 is closed, water is prevented fromflowing from the inlet 164 to the exit 166, but water is still able toflow past the valve 168 to the valve 178 via the primary portion 180 a.

[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 7, a second flow passage 184formed in the manifold body connects the drain inlet port 170 to thedrain outlet port 174. The passage 184 does not intersect the branchportion 180 b, so that fluid in the passage 184 dos not mix with waterin the branch portion 180 b. The passage 184 extends over the majorityof the length of the manifold body along a longitudinal axis. The valve176 cooperates with a valve port 186 formed in the manifold body forcontrolling flow between the inlet 170 and the outlet 174. When thevalve 176 is open, water from the lines 172 a-c flows from the inlet 170to the outlet 174. When the valve 176 is closed, water does not drainfrom the boiling tank 24 and the control tank 22.

[0047] As discussed above, the water being drained from the boiling tankis often extremely hot and needs to be cooled before the water can bedischarged. To accomplish cooling, a third flow passage 188 formed inthe manifold body extends between and interconnects the first flowpassage 180 and the second flow passage 184. The flow passage 188communicates, at one end thereof, to the first flow passage 180 at theend of the primary portion 180 a. The opposite end of the flow passage188 merges with the second flow passage 184 near the outlet port 174. Avalve port 190 receives the valve 178 which controls flow through thepassage 188 between the primary portion 180 a and the passage 184. Whenthe valve 178 is open, water from the inlet supply 50 is able to flowthrough the passage 188 and mix with the drain water in the passage 184in order to cool the drain water. When the valve 178 is closed, inletwater does not flow through the passage 188.

[0048] The flow passage 188 is preferably angled relative to the flowpassage 184, so that when water flows through the passage 188 and entersthe passage 184, a slight vacuum is created during draining due to theventuri effect. The slight vacuum pulls water from the boiling tank 24and the control tank 22, and facilitates complete removal ofcontaminants from the boiling tank 24, as well as from the control tank22. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the passage 188 is inclined ata relatively shallow angle α to the longitudinal axis of the passage184. Preferably, the angle α is between about 7.5 degrees to about 8.5degrees, and more preferably the angle is about 8 degree.

[0049] The system 150 further includes a low water float switch 192, inaddition to the float switch 82, for sensing low water levels in thewater tank 14. When the water level becomes too low, the switch 192 isactivated, which sends a signal to the controller 78 to shut down thesystem 150 until the water level in the tank 14 is increased back up tocertain level. This prevents burn out of the pump 86.

[0050] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. A manifold for a water purification system having a boilingtank, comprising: a body having a water inlet port for connection to awater supply, a water exit port, a first fluid passage connecting thewater inlet port to the water exit port, a drain inlet port forconnection to the boiling tank, a drain outlet port, a second flowpassage connecting the drain inlet port to the drain outlet port, and athird flow passage connecting the first flow passage with the secondflow passage.
 2. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein the secondflow passage includes a longitudinal axis, and the third flow passagehas a longitudinal axis that is disposed at an angle to the longitudinalaxis of the second flow passage.
 3. The manifold according to claim 2,wherein the angle is about 8 degrees.
 4. The manifold according to claim1, further including a valve connected to the body and configured toselectively control flow in the first fluid passage between the waterinlet port and the water exit port.
 5. The manifold according to claim1, further including a valve connected to the body and configured toselectively control flow in the second fluid passage between the draininlet port and the drain outlet port.
 6. The manifold according to claim1, further including a valve connected to the body and configured toselectively control flow in the third fluid passage between the firstflow passage and the second flow passage.
 7. The manifold according toclaim 1, wherein the body includes first and second end surfaces, firstand second side surfaces, and top and bottom surfaces; and the waterinlet port is formed in one of the first and second end surfaces, andthe water exit port is formed in one of the first and second sidesurfaces.
 8. The manifold according to claim 7, wherein the drain inletport is formed in one of the top and bottom surfaces, and the drainoutlet port is formed in one of the first and second end surfaces. 9.The manifold according to claim 8, wherein the drain outlet port and thewater inlet port are formed in the same end surface.
 10. A manifold fora water purification system having a boiling tank, comprising: a bodyhaving a water inlet port for connection to a water supply, a water exitport, a first fluid passage connecting the water inlet port to the waterexit port, a drain inlet port for connection to the boiling tank, adrain outlet port, a second flow passage connecting the drain inlet portto the drain outlet port, and means for creating a venturi effect in thesecond flow passage to produce a suction in the second flow passage andon the drain inlet port.
 11. The manifold according to claim 10, whereinthe means for creating a venturi comprises a third flow passageconnecting the first flow passage with the second flow passage.
 12. Themanifold according to claim 11, wherein the second flow passage includesa longitudinal axis, and the third flow passage has a longitudinal axisthat is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the second flowpassage.
 13. The manifold according to claim 12, wherein the angle isabout 8 degrees.
 14. A water purification system for purifying waterfrom a water supply, comprising: a boiling tank for boiling water fromthe water supply; a condenser connected to said boiling tank forreceiving steam from said boiling tank and for condensing the steam toform distilled water; a distilled water tank connected to said condenserfor collecting distilled water from said condenser; and a manifolddisposed between the water supply and said boiling tank, said manifoldcomprising a body having a water inlet port configured for connection tothe water supply, a water exit port connected to the boiling tank, afirst fluid passage connecting the water inlet port to the water exitport, a drain inlet port connected to the boiling tank, a drain outletport, a second flow passage connecting the drain inlet port to the drainoutlet port, and a third flow passage connecting the first flow passagewith the second flow passage.
 15. The water purification systemaccording to claim 14, further including a control tank having an inletconnected to the water exit port and an outlet connected to the boilingtank.
 16. The water purification system according to claim 15, whereinthe outlet of the control tank is connected to the drain inlet port ofthe manifold.
 17. The water purification system according to claim 14,wherein the second flow passage includes a longitudinal axis, and thethird flow passage has a longitudinal axis that is disposed at an angleto the longitudinal axis of the second flow passage.
 18. The waterpurification system according to claim 17, wherein the angle is about 8degrees.
 19. The water purification system according to claim 14,further including a valve connected to the body and configured toselectively control flow in the first fluid passage between the waterinlet port and the water exit port.
 20. The water purification systemaccording to claim 14, further including a valve connected to the bodyand configured to selectively control flow in the second fluid passagebetween the drain inlet port and the drain outlet port.
 21. The waterpurification system according to claim 14, further including a valveconnected to the body and configured to selectively control flow in thethird fluid passage between the first flow passage and the second flowpassage.